Collins gave Town the lead in the 71st minute with a rocket from inside the box and the single goal was enough to get Nathan Jones’ side off to a winning start.
The manager made one change to the side that defeated Norwich City 3-1 in the Carabao Cup last weekend as Simon Sluga was brought back into the fold, following his time away on international duty with Croatia.
Town were pushing from the off hoping to make a similarly quick start as they did at Oakwell last season, going two-nil up within the opening five minutes.
But that wasn't to be this time around as the best chance of the half fell to Collins - who was picked out perfectly by Harry Cornick - although on the stretch he could only fire his effort over the bar.
Luke Berry came close to putting the Hatters ahead on the stroke of half-time but his fierce effort from outside of the box narrowly flew over the top.
Few chances arose for either side during the second half until Collins broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike in the 71st minute.
Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu done well to flick a header on towards the striker, who let the ball bounce before firing into the top corner, his fourth goal in two games.
Barnsley could and may well should have equalised four minutes later as Alex Mowatt crossed for substitute Dominik Frieser, but the Austrian on his Championship debut missed from close range.
The Hatters were able to withstand late pressure and stayed resolute defensively to move up into sixth on the opening day of the season.
Next up for Town is an away trip on Tuesday as preparations begin for their Carabao Cup second round clash against Reading.
Barnsley: Walton, Ludewig, Sollbauer, Andersen, Williams, Ritzmaier (Palmer 58), Styles, Mowatt, Simoes (Frieser 52), Woodrow, Chaplin (Schmidt 78).
Subs not used: Collins, Helik, Thomas, Adeboyejo.
Yellows: Woodrow
Town: Sluga, Cranie, Bradley (C), Pearson, Norrington-Davies; Rea, Berry, Mpanzu, Lee (LuaLua 62); Cornick (Bree 81), Collins (Hylton 90+1).
Subs not used: Shea, Tunnicliffe, Moncur, Clark.
Goals: Collins (71)
Yellows: Berry, Collins, Mpanzu
Referee: Jarred Gillett
